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How nature is inspiring plant breeding

The Wild Nature of Plant Breeding

Modern Agriculture
Plants have clever ways of defending themselves.

The smell of freshly cut grass is not only a sign of spring, but a remarkable example of evolution. Your lawn is actually sending out a distress signal in form of this unmistakable aroma. The grass is assuming the lawnmower blade is an insect feeding on the plant and responds by releasing a scent that will attract beneficial predatory insects to deter the pest.A

In many regards, plant breeding is the study of special abilities like this. Some plants are exceptional at withstanding drought, resisting insects, fighting disease, or contending with invasive weeds. Plant breeders search the natural world in hopes of finding varieties that have adapted unique and remarkable methods of survival.

The natural evolution of plants is informing new generations of crops.

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The natural evolution of plants is informing new generations of crops.

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A Warning Signal for Insects

Plants have a much greater awareness of their surroundings than many originally thought. For example, when an insect lands on certain tomato plants, tiny hairs on the vine release a sugar that deters the pest from feeding or laying eggs on the plant.

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A Warning Signal for Insects

Plants have a much greater awareness of their surroundings than many originally thought. For example, when an insect lands on certain tomato plants, tiny hairs on the vine release a sugar that deters the pest from feeding or laying eggs on the plant.

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Plant breeders have started to cross a wild tomato plant native to Peru with other varieties to help them inherit this defense. Plant breeders are also experimenting with how the texture of leaves can make landing on the plant more difficult for insects. Mint, basil, and tomato varieties are all being explored by plant scientists for their ability to deter insects in this manner.B,C 

 

Unlocking the Patterns of Immunity

By crossing over a dozen different varieties of cassava (a starchy root commonly eaten in Africa), plant breeders have created several disease-resistant lines of this important crop.

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Unlocking the Patterns of Immunity

By crossing over a dozen different varieties of cassava (a starchy root commonly eaten in Africa), plant breeders have created several disease-resistant lines of this important crop.

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Known as “systemic acquired resistance,” breeders study the immunity response of many generations of plants. In a sense, the immunology of plants tells a story — breeders look deep into the genetics of these plants to learn how past generations have adapted to a pathogen. They then use this as a roadmap to help a new variety inherit this characteristic.D,E

Dealing with weeds is a conflict over territory.

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Dealing with weeds is a conflict over territory.

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Casting a Shadow on Weeds

Many plants have adapted by not giving a single inch to the competition. Crops that can grow close together and prevent sunlight from reaching the soil create a natural defense from invasive weeds. After observing varieties of soy that spread over the soil, plant breeders determined these varieties could create a helpful mechanism for suppressing weeds.

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Casting a Shadow on Weeds

Many plants have adapted by not giving a single inch to the competition. Crops that can grow close together and prevent sunlight from reaching the soil create a natural defense from invasive weeds. After observing varieties of soy that spread over the soil, plant breeders determined these varieties could create a helpful mechanism for suppressing weeds.

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By blocking sunlight with their vines and leaves, these hybrid soy varieties can discourage weed growth and deny invasive pests the resource needed to grow.

 

Reaching the Limits of Drought

Over decades of research, plant breeders have discovered a number of characteristics that can help a crop withstand periods without rainfall. One key area of progress has centered around varieties of maize with deep and robust root systems.

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Reaching the Limits of Drought

Over decades of research, plant breeders have discovered a number of characteristics that can help a crop withstand periods without rainfall. One key area of progress has centered around varieties of maize with deep and robust root systems.

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Researchers selected this characteristic for breeding to help the crop reach further into the soil to acquire water. The increasingly erratic weather patterns brought on by climate change will make drought-tolerant traits like this even more essential for many farmers around the globe.F

The natural world continues to inspire the latest innovations in plant breeding.

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The natural world continues to inspire the latest innovations in plant breeding.

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Observing Evolution,
Adapting Modern Agriculture

Over millions of years, the natural world has adapted many remarkable and effective methods of survival. Plant breeders set out to discover these special traits and use this knowledge to help farmers make the most of every resource. Using inspiration found in the ecosystem, plant breeders across modern agriculture are adapting plants to manage insects, drought, weeds, and disease in new and more effective ways.

Sources

AScience Daily
BInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences 
CNew Phytologist 
D The Crop Research Institute
ESystemic Acquired Resistance 
FFrontiers in Plant Science   

 

 

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